NVIDIA Tegra 4 Chimera Adds HDR Imaging to Mobile Devices

The NVIDIA Chimera Computational Photography Architecture, available in the Tegra 4 mobile processors, has functions that have not been available on mobile devices until now, including always-on high-dynamic range photos and videos, HDR panoramic and persistent tap-to-track capabilities.

Previous mobile device architectures have typically compromised the use of tools required for certain aspects of complex image processing. According to NVIDIA, one way that Chimera architecture overcomes previous limitations is by providing enough power to conduct nearly 100 billion mathematical operations per second, supporting image processing computations used in X-ray CT scanners, deep space telescopes and spy satellites.

First shown at CES 2013, the architecture improves on mobile imaging with always-on HDR photos and videos. This allows camera users to instantly capture high-quality, HDR images that show a wide variety of locations and scenes, under diverse lighting conditions, in a manner similar to human eye vision.

The HDR panoramic ability records wide-angle or fish-eye shots that typically need a DSLR camera. The Chimera architecture is able to capture a single scene while the camera moves – from side to side, up and down or diagonally – recording the complete panorama in real time from many angles and in any order the user chooses. Previous systems have either required moving the camera in one direction along a single horizontal plane, or lengthy post processing of up to 35 seconds to stitch the panorama together.

The Chimera architecture’s persistent tap-to-track function allows a user to touch an element to focus on within a scene. The camera then locks in on that subject as it moves or the camera is repositioned to a new angle, while maintaining proper focus. Persistent tap-to-track also adjusts the camera exposure depending on any movement, helping avoid under- or over-exposure of the image’s subject or background.

NVIDIA Chimera is available integrated into Tegra 4 products, including the Tegra 4 mobile processor and the new Tegra 4i integrated Tegra LTE processor. Device manufacturers can use the architecture to create differentiated imaging to ship with their smart phones and tablets. The architecture also provides an application programming interface, or API, that developers can use to enhance imaging apps for their Android mobile customer base. So far, Sony’s Exmor RS IMX135 13 MP sensor and Aptina’s AR0833 1/3in 8MP mobileimaging sensor support the Chimera Computational Photography Architecture.  www.nvidia.com/tegra